Scottish Rugby Union president to visit Hamilton

Feb 4 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON will be the focus of the wider rugby and Lanarkshire sporting community this month when SRU president Jim Stevenson brings his roadshow to the town.

The event takes place at Laigh Bent on Wednesday, February 10, and was made possible after Hamilton Sports Council invited Mr Stevenson to the club.

Bulls captain Richie Maxton is looking forward to the event, which will feature a question and answer session, and told the Advertiser: “The SRU and Jim in particular have been working hard to communicate with clubs and the wider local sports communities on their strategy for developing the game at grassroots level, and while some of our members have attended sessions in Glasgow this is the first time such an event has been held in Lanarkshire.

“I am delighted that the Sports Council responded to Jim’s prompt in the Advertiser for a roadshow to be held in the area and obviously the club is only too pleased to assist.

“I am sure many people will be interested in hearing the breadth of the SRU plans, but also the thoughts on the season structure and the possibility of summer rugby will generate much discussion – especially after the recent spell of bad weather.”

He added: “As a club we are committed to developing youngsters and helping them play at the highest level they are capable of, which is why we have developed our programme for local schools, in conjunction with South Lanarkshire Council, local schools and the SRU.

“On top of this we also have an internal programme for our youth coaches.

“So an understanding of what is planned at Scottish level will enable us to ensure our programmes fit in the bigger picture for the benefit of everyone involved.”

Entry to the roadshow is free and those interested are asked to show up at 7pm for 7.30pm.

Hamilton’s youngsters continue to be recognised in the wider rugby community, with wingers Ross Inglis and Chris Stannage retaining their places in the Under-18 Glasgow squads for regional matches played this month.